Oh, let me tell you about this delightful fall salad with maple lime dressing! There’s something so magical about autumn, isn’t there? The crisp air, colorful leaves, and the incredible flavors that come with the season. I remember the first time I made this salad—my kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh apples and toasted walnuts, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. The balance of sweet maple syrup and zesty lime juice in the dressing just dances on your taste buds! It’s refreshing, vibrant, and a perfect way to showcase the bounty of fall produce. Trust me, this salad is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of the season that you’ll want to enjoy again and again!

Ingredients for Fall Salad with Maple Lime Dressing

Gather these fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a beautiful and delicious fall salad:

4 cups mixed greens (I love using a blend of arugula, spinach, and kale for extra flavor!)
1 cup sliced apples (any sweet, crisp variety will do—Fuji or Honeycrisp are my favorites!)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (toasting them elevates the crunch and flavor, trust me!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (for that perfect pop of sweetness and color)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the creamy, tangy touch that ties everything together)

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready before you dive into making this lovely salad!

How to Prepare the Fall Salad with Maple Lime Dressing

Okay, let’s get into the fun part—making this gorgeous fall salad! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a salad wizard by the time you’re done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring delicious autumn flavors in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the 4 cups of mixed greens. I like to use a combination of arugula, spinach, and kale to really amp up the flavor!
Next, add the 1 cup of sliced apples right on top. Make sure they’re thinly sliced so they mix in nicely. I usually leave the skin on for color and extra nutrition.
Now, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. If you want to take it up a notch, toast them in a skillet for a few minutes until they’re golden brown. Oh, the aroma is heavenly!
Then, toss in the 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for that sweet burst of flavor that pairs so well with the apples and greens.
Finally, crumble the 1/4 cup of feta cheese over everything. The creaminess of the feta really adds a nice contrast to the crunch of the walnuts and the crispness of the apples.
Now, in a separate small bowl, whisk together your dressing. Combine maple syrup, lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens, so mix it well until it’s smooth and combined.
Once your dressing is ready, drizzle it over the salad and give everything a gentle toss. Make sure all those beautiful ingredients get coated with that sweet and tangy goodness!
Serve immediately and watch your friends and family fall in love with this salad!

And remember, don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust the dressing to your liking—maybe a little more lime for zing or a touch more maple for sweetness. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
Fresh, vibrant ingredients that celebrate the flavors of fall.
Sweet and tangy maple lime dressing that perfectly complements the salad.
Nutty walnuts and creamy feta add delightful textures.
Perfectly customizable—switch up fruits or nuts based on what you have!
Great for potlucks, gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner.

Tips for Success

To make sure your fall salad with maple lime dressing turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my best tips! First off, choose the freshest produce you can find; it makes all the difference in flavor! When selecting apples, go for a variety that’s crisp and sweet—Fuji or Honeycrisp are my go-tos. If you have time, toasting the walnuts really enhances their flavor and crunch, so don’t skip that step! Also, feel free to get creative with your greens; a mix of textures keeps things interesting. And don’t forget to taste your dressing before tossing it with the salad—adjust the sweetness or acidity to suit your palate! Lastly, serve this salad immediately after dressing it to keep everything fresh and crisp. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of autumn on your plate!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delightful fall salad with maple lime dressing. Each serving contains about 250 calories, with 15 grams of fat (2 grams of which are saturated). You’ll also get 6 grams of protein and 28 grams of carbohydrates, including 4 grams of fiber. Plus, it has a touch of sweetness with 12 grams of sugar, making it a satisfying yet healthy option for your meals. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this nutritious salad guilt-free!

FAQ Section

Can I make the salad ahead of time?
I recommend assembling the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Just toss everything together when you’re ready to enjoy!

What type of apples work best for this salad?
I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and crunch. But feel free to experiment! Any crisp, sweet apple will work beautifully.

Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a feta fan, try goat cheese for a tangy twist, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re following a vegan diet.

How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The salad will still be delicious with the maple lime dressing!

What can I add to make this salad heartier?
If you’re looking for something more filling, consider adding some cooked quinoa or even grilled chicken. Both options pair wonderfully with the flavors in this salad!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your fall salad with maple lime dressing tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy the salad again, as this helps prevent the greens from wilting. When stored properly, it should last about 2 days in the fridge. If you need to reheat any additional ingredients, like quinoa or chicken, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just remember, this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so try to eat it soon after making!

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Fall Salad with Maple Lime Dressing to Savor This Season

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing fall salad with a sweet and tangy maple lime dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mixed greens
1 cup sliced apples
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, walnuts, cranberries, and feta.
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Use any seasonal apples for best flavor.
Toast walnuts for added crunch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: fall salad with maple lime dressing

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